The Midlands 4x4 Club once again participated in the annual Cars in the Park event on the 27th May.

We had a number of vehicles on display as well as quite a few vehicles driving around the 4x4 track. Members of the public were able to come along and join our members driving around the track. In order to do so they were all asked to donate towards the Pietermaritzburg SPCA. The public were very generous and a sum of R6377.20 was raised for the SPCA.

Gary handing over the cheque for R6377.20 to Ronnie from the SPCA

Other photos of the day

Friday 14th April, the Rotunda car park.

The mist swirling …. we thought we had the wrong date …until … a bright orange Ford Ranger swung into the parking area in spectacular fashion, festooned with recovery gear of every description.
We realized we were in fact in the right place! Perhaps a little under-equipped but alas, the off road store was closed! We would just have to make do.

It was once again the start of a Lesotho trip for the Midlands 4x4 Club. In the next few minutes the convoy started drifting in … all except our fearless leader who had the essential indemnity forms to be signed by all and sundry. Eventually Richard and Heather arrived in the “Marriott-Hotel-on-Wheels” and all the necessary documents were completed.

Under Ronnie and Gary P’s able direction the convoy left with lights a-blazing … destination Underberg. En route the mist lifted thankfully and the sun emerged. We were greeted by a magnificent autumn day. After a quick coffee stop and last refuel at Underberg we continued towards Swartberg and onto the first dirt road en route to Rama’s gate.

An early drama on this trip necessitated a diversion for Ronnie, Gary P, Darryl and Johnno to Matatiele for some much needed spare parts. The rest continued up the escarpment to the border-post and after pleasant formalities on both sides, we were in Lesotho. A reasonably cobbled road led us on to our first stop – Sehlabathebe National Park. We all stopped at the newly built admin offices and registration was straightforward and efficient.

By now the weather was changing with threatening black storm clouds swirling above and the temperature dropping. With increasing wind amongst the peaks we set off along the winding road to the campsite.

After traveling in convoy through some beautiful mountain sandstone scenery and dropping into the Sehlabathebe Valley, surrounded by imposing buttresses and peaks, we found ourselves in a well watered, grassy but exposed campsite. Our first night stop on the trip. Everyone picked their preferred spot and at this stage the wind increased, the mist rolled down and a cold drizzle enveloped us.

It was interesting to notice how we all differ in our choice of camp setup, but within a short period fortunately everyone was hunkered down for the night. Gary and Ronnie, Darryl and Johno thankfully arrived from Matatiele with good news on having found the spares they needed. The more optimistic people in the party lit a braai fire. Of course, at this stage of the trip it must be said that Richard and Heather in the “Marriott-Hotel-on-Wheels” were the most comfortable and well prepared for the elements! Well done to them!

The before-mentioned Ranger unfolded in a most impressive way and it became obvious that no expense had been spared on handy gadgets. In fact, it was rumoured that there was a small 2-man helicopter stowed under the canopy for emergencies, in addition to all the camping paraphernalia that one can imagine. Well done Zandy and Jan. Impressive. A very nice rig!
A brief time was spent in the swirling mist trying to enjoy some bonding around the braai fire. However, apart from a few die-hards (Otto in his shorts and T-shirt!) and Ronnie, the rest took shelter from the wind chill factor and made their own arrangements for comfort and entertainment.

It was not long before the camp was in darkness and apart from the sound of the occasional jackal cry, all was quiet. You have to understand that the nightlife in Sehlabathebe is limited! Uncle Ronnie and Otto, the die-hards at the campfire in a force 10 gale eventually conceded that bed / tent was in fact the place to be.

The next morning dawned in typical Lesotho fashion. 0 degrees indicated with a wind chill factor of minus horrible! Thick mists and ghostly shapes of cattle and horses surrounded us. Lights came on and one by one, with the normal grunting and slamming of drawers and boxes, we all gathered to enjoy the day that lay ahead. There was a heavy dew which soon thankfully was broken by sunlight piercing through the scudding clouds. The Matabeng Pass lay ahead.

After a hasty breakfast, mainly of the instant variety, and a gathering of the troops, a motley convoy was formed, led by Ronnie and Gary P in the newly repaired Pajero. As we left back up the winding road, the sun and blue sky emerged with the promise of another lovely day in the spectacular mountain kingdom.

Shortly after Shelabathebe we turned right, crossed a small river and as the track became progressively rougher and rockier we knew we were starting up the fabled Matabeng Pass.
There were a number of very washed out river crossings to negotiate with loose rocks and narrow passage and low ratio was advised by Ronnie at the head of the column. Some people still insisted they were in 4 high at this stage!

The Natal side of the Matabeng took us up through some spectacular rock strewn windy tracks, getting steeper and steeper with spectacular views of blue sky and white cloud rolling in. Tight hairpin bends and switchbacks with breathtaking vistas. Nearing the summit the temperatures experienced during the night were borne out by icicles in the shadows on the rock walls of the pass. Pausing at the top, we marveled at the views into Lesotho and gathered ourselves for the descent!

The loose rutted track wound itself steeply down into the Senqu Valley. There appeared to have been some major storms in the valley recently as sections of the road were severely washed out and small streambeds were filled with large boulders brought down by flash floods. We came across the first of remote villages with an almost medieval feel to them. Stone huts / shelters covered with sparse thatch and shepherds on the roadsides with their large shaggy dogs. Life is very hard here and it was sobering to see how people can make do with so little. We found the Lesotho people to be very hospitable and welcoming.

Nearing the base of the pass we came across a number of young shepherds plunge dipping their sheep. They were friendly and engaging, allowing us to photograph them as they went about their task. We traded some hot cross buns with the youngsters and they were delighted to pose for some photos.

Towards midday the convoy of 9 vehicles assembled on the banks of the Senqu River at Philip’s camp. A beautifully shaded spot on the banks of the river. Chairs were unpacked and we enjoyed a picnic lunch. The road to Mount Moorosi lay ahead of us – our next night stop. From Philip’s camp onwards the road improved to well used gravel with many valleys and more switchbacks. We passed through numerous small villages and care had to be taken to avoid goats, chooks, sheep, donkeys and pedestrians!

We reached the intersection of the Qacha’s Nek / Mount Moorosi road as shadows were lengthening and the push was on to make the Mt Moorosi campsite before dark. This would be difficult. Fortunately from here on it was a windy tar road but caution was necessary as road signs in Lesotho do not last long (they make excellent roofing material!) Numerous steep descents and hairpin bends had to be negotiated and by now it was quite dark. Armco barriers are not high on the list of priorities in Lesotho either and several wrecks were seen strewn down the mountainside. After a somewhat harrowing trip where we kept in contact with intermittent radio signal, we all caught up with Gary and Ronnie at the turnoff to Mt Moorosi camp.

It was by now cold and dark and there was a general rush for the available rondavels, even though lights, hot water and cooking gas were not included in the tariff! Richard and Heather arrived in the Marriott Hotel and smugly looked at all of us and wondered what the fuss was about as they opened the door and moved up into their luxury accommodation on wheels! Some of the die-hard campers also insisted on braving the elements under canvas. The rest of us were delighted to enjoy the comforts of our rondavels and an early night was had by all.

Next morning a number of vehicles went to nearby Mt Moorosi village for diesel replenishment and after coffee and light breakfasts the troops (after various running repairs to some vehicles) set off on the last leg of our journey towards Ongeluksnek.

The road wound through a wooded valley, becoming open alluvial farmlands with fields of maize and millet carved out of every available space. Once again, friendly locals waving from the small villages, we climbed up a steep escarpment ending at an alpine lake where we paused for a coffee break and to admire the magnificent scenery. Healthy looking sheep and angora goats were herded past us. A short distance further on along an exposed rocky rutted track stood the Lesotho Border Post. (literally a solitary fence post standing on a bleak crest) before the road dipped down towards Ongeluksnek. Passport formalities are not big here!

The Ongeluksnek Pas was as Ronnie and Gary P had predicted – very steep, loose and rocky but with their expert guidance all made it down to the police post without incident. It was very apparent that if there was any moisture whatsoever in those parts, this pass would be near impossible!

The convoy assembled at the SAP Ongeluksnek Border Post and passport formalities were completed and we continued to the overnight camp at the base of the valley. A number of us elected to continue our journey home as time permitted and final greetings were exchanged. Once again a very enjoyable and interesting adventure. Thank you to everyone for making it a special weekend and keeping it safe.

Many thanks to Gary P and Ronnie. And a special mention to Darryl – always a great man to have along with his mechanical skills! And to Gary B, a big thank you too for being the ever-reliable steady sweeper at the rear of the column.

We look forward to many more trips with the Midlands 4x4 Club.

On Friday evening we hosted the Maritzburg College's Team Rhino, participants in the 4x4 in Schools Technology Challenge. These bright lads, lead by team leader Bevan and accompanied by College Engineering Graphics & Design Head, Ben Bosch, explained what the Challenge was all about, how they have gone about learning Design and Engineering skills through this project and showed us various parts of their new 4x4 model. Lots of interesting discussions were held between the lads and our members. Ideas were shared and much learnt on both sides.

We wish Team Rhino SA all the best for the upcoming International Champs in Dubai. 

Visit their web site here

If you would like to support them in any way, please contact Team Leader: Bevan on email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

SOUTHERN LESOTHO MARCH 2016 – THE LAND OF THE SILHOUETTE PEOPLE

7:30 am at the Hilton Rotunda saw the gathering and departure of a convoy of 5 vehicles, to  Matatiele our first stop. Sgt Major Steve patrolled the ranks encouraging us to check our radios before leaving !   This first leg was an easy non-eventful ride with the usual banter on the radios.   At Swartberg we took the short-cut dirt road to Matat, where we made radio contact with and were joined by the Suzuki Vitara driven by Carol and the venerable vintage Landrover, from Bishopstowe owned by Johan and Jean.   Everyone was in high spirits when we refuelled and purchased last minute requirements.  With the weather fine, we set off towards the Ongeluksnek Border Control post along a dirt road not far outside of Matatiele.  Immediately noticeable was the colourful cosmos on either side of the road and numerous beautiful old sandstone homesteads from a bygone era.  At one stage Carol appeared to be losing a piece of her Suzuki, which required some leopard crawling to retrieve it from under the vehicle!  

In a short while we reached the border control post in the Southern Maluti mountains.   We were pleasantly surprised and impressed at the cleanliness and efficiency which we experienced there.  We were directed to proceed through two large gates, beyond which no clear road was visible. 

However our fearless leader Ronnie proceeded on and in a short while we picked up the Ongeluksnek Pass track. We were particularly struck by the luminous green colour of the surrounding grasslands reaching up the flanks of the mountains.

The track quickly steepened and deteriorated to a grade 3 off-road situation.  Low range was selected and those who needed lock hubs, did so.  Although the going was slow, consisting of crossing numerous deep ruts and steep sections, we all proceeded successfully to the top of the pass, with a few stops along the way to admire the views. 

On reaching the top we were greeted by a broad, expansive catchment area covered in short green grass with numerous flocks of sheep and angora goats.   We noticed the first few Basutho shepherds in their traditional blankets and got to see their small sandstone shelters and kraals which protect them from the sometimes harsh elements.   We then stopped for a short late lunch-break on the grassy banks of a man-made reservoir, in an area called Maphooaneng.   Vehicles were checked and adjustments carried out as necessary and once completed we headed on and down into the river valley, following the Quithing River.  Some members of the party who were dithering a tad, were almost left behind.  It took a while to realise that we were in fact participating in the Roof of Africa Rally and luckily the ever patient Heather and Richard, were able sweepers and brought the stragglers into line!   With the sun sliding towards the mountain tops we needed to find a suitable camping spot for the night.

After proceeding through numerous villages,  thanks to our intrepid map readers Gary and Ronnie, assisted by Steve we came upon a sheltered area on the banks of the river.   Tents were set up,  a fire was lit and we all relaxed into the evening, enjoying the sound of the river nearby.  Unusual for this part of the world, the weather was mild and dry.  Looking up at the towering mountains surrounding us we noticed the presence of the silhouette people, outlined against the evening sky, the young shepherds gazing down on us inquisitively.    A good start to our trip. 

Refreshed after a good sleep, we were all up early on Sunday,  packed and ready for the next leg.  Before departing, the Landie required some clutch fluid and after a small tussle with a steep bank, we got back onto the road and continued in convoy.  One of the Hiluxes appeared to be leaking  ATF fluid from the power steering unit and it was decided to continue to Mount Moorosi to source some fluid and to refuel.  Luckily despite it being Sunday, Ronnie and Gary managed to procure a few bottles of fluid and we were able to top off our fuel tanks.   The intention for the day was to route towards Qachas Nek and then on to the bottom of the Matebeng Pass where we would camp for the night before tackling the pass the following day.   On leaving Mount Moorosi, our convoy drove along the Senqu River towards Mphaki. 

We started climbing out of the river valley, crossing numerous rivers and enjoyed amazing views across Southern Lesotho looking back towards the West.  It was evident in this area that much road building was underway with lots of bridge construction and road repair visible.

The convoy climbed continuously to the top of the Khamokha escarpment and we were now on a fairly good tar road (thanks to the Chinese) and were able to admire colourful swaths of cosmos in bloom in the fields.

It was apparent that many of the locals were off to church as most people greeted us in their Sunday best.  It was pleasing to experience the spontaneous friendliness of the local people.    The children characteristically were excited to see and ever hopeful for sweetie handouts – which is something that is generally discouraged.    Listening to radio comms it was apparent that the Landie was starting to experience serious clutch issues and it was decided to continue to Qachas Nek, to hopefully obtain a spare slave-cylinder kit.    After receiving some directions from the locals, we located an open road-side spares outlet and Darryl was able to match a Toyota slave-cylinder seal with that of the Landrover.   Optimistically we then set off for Matebeng Pass, however this was short-lived as the mechanical problem persisted.  A last-ditch attempt was made to rectify the problem before Johan took the decision to return home via Qachas Nek, due to the rough terrain ahead.  

With Ronnie and Gary still topping up the Hilux’s power steering fluid at regular intervals, we set off towards the Mathebeng Pass, hoping to reach Phillip’s camp, at the base of the pass,  before nightfall.  Back on dirt road, we were still travelling parallel to the Senqu river way down in the valley.  At this stage the sun was starting to set and we were delighted to see the well shaded, lovely camp site ahead and below us.  Phillip’s camp consists of a large, flat, well-shaded and grassed area right on the banks of the Matebeng river.    We once again enjoyed mild, even warm weather, with no wind and some of us revelled in a refreshing bath in the fast-flowing river.   The campsite is secure and equipped with a clean, long-drop toilet which the ladies enjoyed.    After setting up camp, a fire was quickly lit and a pleasant social evening was enjoyed by all as we ate supper and chatted.

The morning brought another perfect day and after breakfast,  Darryl assisted some locals who brought a broken generator for him to repair.   We were also fortunate to locate some high pressure hose from someone’s toolbox and so were able to properly repair the Hilux’s leaky steering.   

We then set off up the Matebeng Pass – headed for Ramatseliso’s Gate.   The track rapidly deteriorated to grade 3 with numerous rocks and eroded channels on the road.  We passed many quaint, remote villages that had been built out of the natural stone. 

 The countryside became more and more spectacular as the road wound its way, with many switchbacks, to the escarpment.   We paused for a viewstop at the summit, before continuing down the Eastern side of the escarpment descending towards Sehlabathebe. 

Here we saw a number of locals collecting the abundantly available short,  coarse bushes which they use for firewood and heating.    We also passed a stone-mason’s site and could see how they shape sandstone into building blocks, which seems to be a dying art.   At the base of the Matebeng Pass we stopped for lunch.  Some less fortunate people, were made to cook bacon and eggs !   

With our tummies full, Ronnie lead us down the bank, through the river and onwards to Ramatseliso’s Gate where border control formalities were concluded without incident.

After getting back into SA we followed a short-cut to the Swartberg road. This turned out to be a rough, slow trip but we finally reached the Swartberg / Underberg road.   Here we bade farewell to Carol, and with rain-threatening we continued on the final leg towards Underberg and on to Pietermaritzburg.   Mention must be made of the encouragement and support offered by Ronnie and others to Carol, who travelled alone, and excelled at handling the sometimes challenging conditions,  and also thanks and appreciation to Ronnie, Gary, Steve and Richard for their valuable input and care throughout the journey !!